Colombia has become one of the most attractive destinations for audiovisual content development in Latin America. Its geographic diversity (ranging from the Amazon rainforest to the Caribbean), expanding audiovisual infrastructure, and robust legal framework make the country a unique opportunity for international production. In addition to its strong technical and artistic talent, Colombia offers four major audiovisual and cultural incentive programs that can be strategically leveraged to maximize investment:

• Law 814 of 2003 (Film Law): transferable tax deduction of 165% of the amount invested in national productions.
• CINA (Audiovisual Investment Certificate): 35% tax credit on audiovisual and logistical expenses incurred in Colombia.
• FFC (Colombia Film Fund): cash rebate of 40% on audiovisual services and 20% on logistical services.
• CoCrea: 165% tax deduction for cultural, creative, and heritage projects.

These mechanisms offer a combination of financial and tax benefits that puts Colombia as a competitive hub for both local and international productions.

Main Incentives

1. Law 814 of 2003 — Tax Deduction Certificate
   Overview:
   A tax incentive that grants a deduction certificate equivalent to 165% of the amount invested or donated to projects recognized as National Projects by the Ministry of Culture. This benefit is transferable, making it an effective financing tool.
   
   Eligible beneficiaries:
   • Producers: legal entities with at least 51% Colombian capital whose corporate purpose includes audiovisual production.
   • Investors: income taxpayers who invest in or donate to projects recognized as national.
      
   Eligible projects:
   • Feature and short films of Colombian production or co-production that have been approved through a National Project Recognition Resolution issued by the DACMI – Ministry of Culture.
      
2. CINA — Audiovisual Investment Certificate
   
   Overview:
   A transferable tax credit equivalent to a 35% tax discount on audiovisual and logistical expenses incurred in Colombia. This incentive aims to attract international productions and strengthen the local value chain.
   
   Eligible beneficiaries:
   • Foreign producers who are not Colombian income tax filers.
   • They must contract services with legally incorporated Colombian companies and comply with program requirements.
      
   Eligible projects:
   • Films, series (including animated series), music videos, video games, and advertising audiovisual productions that meet minimum spending thresholds and hire certified local suppliers.
      
3. FFC — Colombia Film Fund (Cash Rebate)
   
   Overview:
   A cash reimbursement of up to 40% of expenses on audiovisual services (such as hiring personnel, equipment rental, studios, or post-production) and 20% on logistical services (such as lodging, transportation, and catering).
   
   Eligible beneficiaries:
   • National producers and foreign producers who are not Colombian income tax filers, provided they hire legally incorporated Colombian service providers.
      
   Eligible projects:
   • Feature films, episodic series, and music videos filmed entirely or partially in Colombia.
   • Funds are disbursed once expenses are audited and certified by the FFC Committee.
      
4. CoCrea — Tax Deduction Certificate
   
   Overview:
   An incentive administered by the Co-Crea Council (CoCrea) that grants a transferable deduction certificate equivalent to 165% of the amount invested in approved cultural, creative, or heritage projects.
   
   Eligible beneficiaries:
   • Applicant entities: organizations that meet the feasibility criteria established by the Ministry of Culture and CoCrea.
   • Investors: income taxpayers who invest in or donate to CoCrea-approved projects.
      
   Eligible projects:
   • Initiatives in the cultural and creative sectors—including film, music, design, gastronomy, heritage, cultural software, and others—that demonstrate impact in strengthening the sector, generating employment, and increasing access to culture.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why Film in Colombia

• Diversity of locations and unique ecosystems.
• Incentives that combine profitability with efficient disbursement processes.
• A professional audiovisual ecosystem with world-class technicians, creatives, and studios.
• Legal certainty and strong institutional support.

Ready to produce in Colombia?

We offer comprehensive legal and tax advisory services for structuring your project—from incentive planning to the effective recovery of benefits.
Contact us at equipotmt@bu.com.co